Financial Aid
Financial Aid Night Presentation
Student financial aid is money that is used to pay the cost of attending college. Need based and non-need based programs are the two primary types of aid. Non-need based financial aid consists of awards that are based on the student's academic ability, special interest, athletic ability, special talents and skills, ethnic and religious background, field of study, etc. Need based financial aid is based on the difference between the total cost of the college and the amount of the expected family contribution as determined through the FAFSA (Free Application for Student Aid). Although this form is not available until January, there are several opportunities for families to receive estimated family contributions based upon preliminary information provided by the family.
Financial Aid Forms
- FAFSA - Free Application for Federal Student Aid: Form used for federal and state aid. This form is used to determine the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) using federal methodology.
- CSS Profile - Private schools may require additional information that is not provided by the FAFSA, therefore, the student may have to register with the College Scholarship Service which is the financial aid division of the College Board. NOTE: Not all schools require this form so please check with your counselor or call the college/universities admission or financial aid office.
- Institutional Forms - Schools may also require a family to fill out an form which will provide them with additional information no available on the FAFSA. Please check with your counselor or contact the school for verification.
EFC Estimators
Other Financial Aid Sites
- The Illinois Student Assistance Commission's College Zone is where you will find the latest on college selection, financial aid resources, financing options, and "FinAid: The Smart Student Guide.
- Financial Aid Information "FinAid The Smart Student Guide"- This is a link to many financial aid related sites, ranging from institutions to government to scholarships to scam alerts.
Loans
Loans are provided through participating lending institutions and repayment of balance and interest is required. The Stafford and Plus loan links are provided by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC).
Scholarships
- Each month college specialist, Mr. Mandella, compiles and updates a list of "outside" scholarships and various college/university scholarships. This list is posted outside the P.P.S. office or in the A.P. room. Please feel to ask Mr. Mandella or any of the counselors on information regarding contacts for each listed scholarship.
- Each year over 100 students are granted scholarships through local community agencies. In February, students are encouraged to fill out general application for these local scholarships, which can be picked up in the P.P.S. office.
- College/University Scholarships award both academic and performance scholarships. Check with individual institutions to learn of available awards.
- fastWEB - This site is an excellent free scholarship search data base. Saves a student's profile and emails new sources for private merit aid to "mail box" on line.
Grants
Grants are awarded through need-based financial aid and do not require repayment. Federal, state, and institutional grants are available to families who demonstrate need. The following links are provided by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC). College Zone
- Monetary Award Program - need based
- Specialized Grants